Meet Gwent's best dad!

John Payne,65, of Maple Road, Sebastopol, was nominated for our award by devoted daughter, Lee Cora Vaughan, who describes him as "simply wonderful.”

Ms Vaughan, 36, is "over the moon" that her dad was chosen. He has helped her raise her 10-year-old son Nicholas and feels that he is more like a dad to him than a grandfather.

She said the grandfather-of-two is also a great support to the whole family: “He will do his utmost to assist whenever he can."

“He's amazing and has been my rock. I would be lost without him. This is the best way I can show my dad just how much he means to me and Nicholas.

“He knew I entered him because we had our photo taken but never thought he would win."

Ms Vaughan said he goes above and beyond the the role of a father to her and brother Tony, 35, and spends a lot of time with his other grandchild Liam, three. He regularly takes Nicholas to swimming classes, taught him to ride a bike and helps with his homework.

“He takes him everywhere and was just the same with me as a child,” said Ms Vaughan, recalling childhood holidays in the family caravan.

Ms Vaughan said recent months have been difficult, following the death of Mr Payne's father Jack.

“My dad is the one person everyone in the family calls upon when they need help,” said Ms Vaughan.

“As well as helping his own mother, he helps my mum’s father in things like cutting his grass.”

Mr Payne, a retired electrical engineer who worked at Lucas Girlings, New Inn, for many years, said he had just come home after shopping with wife Cory, 62, when Ms Vaughan called to tell him he had won the award.

“I was very shocked and emotional as I’ve never won anything like this,” he said.

“It is a lovely complement, but I do what I can for my children like any dad does. They mean the world to me,” he added.

The Argus teamed up with the FIM Doodson British Speedway Grand Prix to provide a fabulous prize for Gwent's Best Dad.

Mr Payne wins tickets for a family of four to the FIM Doodson British Speedway Grand Prix at the Millennium Stadium next Saturday, June 25. Also included is pit area access on the day, and guest passes for Mr Payne and his nominee to the June 24 practice session, and to the presentation line-up on the Saturday.